Founded in 1960 and recognized by the United Nations in 1996, the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is an independent international community of leading experts committed to expanding the frontiers of space. The Academy is devoted to fostering the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes, recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves in a branch of science or technology related to astronautics and providing a Programme through which the membership can contribute to international endeavours in the advancement of aerospace science.

At present the Academy is composed of roughly 1200 Members and Corresponding Members, from 77 countries, divided into four Sections: Basic Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences. The Academy cooperates, exchanges and conducts joint meetings with national Academies, prepares cosmic planning studies through its six Commissions, as follows:

1. Space Physical Sciences
2. Space Life Sciences
3. Space Technology and Systems Development
4. Space Systems Operations and Utilization
5. Space Policy, Law and Economics
6. Space and Society, Culture and Education

The Academy is an honorary society with an action agenda. It works closely with national and international space agencies, industry, the academic community, and the national science and engineering academies to determine needs and objectives, and to help shape policy and forge cooperation by means of studies, position papers, conferences, and publications.

The Academy continues to enjoy and appreciate its close relations with the IAF and COSPAR, and its participation in the International Astronautical Congresses and COSPAR Assemblies by sponsoring and co-sponsoring sessions, symposia, round tables and plenary sessions.

In addition, the Academy publishes the peer-reviewed scholarly journal Acta Astronautica, which contains refereed papers, as well as selected proceedings of the Congresses and scientific meetings, and a quarterly Newsletter.

President: Dr. Madhavan Nair -- India
Secretary General: Dr. Jean-Michel Contant -- France

For detailed and updated information please check the I.A.A. Web Site.

To contact the I.A.A. email: sgeneral @ iaaweb.org
Postal mail: P.O. Box 1268-16 -- 75766 Paris Cedex 16 -- France
Phone: +33 (0) 1 47 23 82 15
Fax: +33 (0) 1 47 23 82 16